Depression Pills and How They Are Used in Depression Treatment

There are three primary types of depression pills that are prescribed to treat various forms of depression. These three classes of depression pills are tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Tricyclics (TCAs) include the depression pills amitriptyline (Brand Name: Elavil), imipramine (Brand Name: Tofranil) and clomipramine (Brand Name: Anafranil). Tricyclics, the oldest class of anti-depressants, are not used as often in modern medicine. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) are considered to be a very dangerous depression medication. They aren’t often prescribed because they can have very dangerous side effects. Many psychiatrists today prefer to prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are currently the most prescribed depression pills. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors work by increasing levels of a brain chemical called serotonin. The first SSRI was fluoxetine (Brand Name: Prozac) and that was created in 1988. Prozac was a revolutionary medication for many people who suffered from chronic and major depression. Many other SSRIs followed the creation of Prozac including the popular depression pills Celexa, Zoloft and Lexapro.

Every year, it seems that newer and safer depression pills are being released into the market. Modern anti-depressants are considered to be much safer than the older tricyclics and MAOIs. However, even those depression pills are safer than they have ever been, there are still some risks and troubling side effects associated with their usage. You should discuss the benefits and risks of depression pills with your doctor before you take them.

Why are Depression Pills Prescribed?

Depression pills are prescribed to relieve and reduce the symptoms of all types of depression. In addition to treating chronic depression and clinical depression, anti-depressants may also be prescribed to treat behavioral issues like obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Some depression pills are used to treat panic disorder and social anxiety phobia.

Side Effects of Depression Pills

Your doctor is prescribing depression pills to relieve your chronic or major depression symptoms. The type of antidepressant that your doctor will prescribe will depend on what form of depression you are suffering from. If you are also suffering from anxiety, your doctor may treat you with an anti-anxiety medication as well. Some depression pills also work on anxiety.

Unfortunately, all depression pills have undesirable side effects. The safest depression pills, SSRIs, can cause weight gain and severe sexual side effects.

How do Depression Pills Work?

Depression pills are prescribed because they are effective in treating the symptoms of many types of depression. Anti-depressants are often able to restore the natural chemical balance of your brain. These brain chemicals, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, are responsible for controlling mood. They are essential for proper brain function. If your brain chemicals are out of balance, you may have difficulty thinking, eating, working or even sleeping. Depression pills can help correct this imbalance. Your doctor will decide what form of depression you are suffering from and pick the depression pill that he feels will be most beneficial to your situation.

How Long Do Depression Pills Take to Work for Depression?

Many people think that they’ll get home from the doctor’s office, take a pill and instantly feel an improvement. Unfortunately, that’s not how depression pills work. Some antidepressants, like Wellbutrin, do provide faster results than other depression pills. But most antidepressants can take up to 4 weeks before the patient notices an improvement. Even if your antidepressants do not appear to help in the beginning, you should keep taking them until they reach a steady enough level in your body.

You should not stop taking depression pills suddenly. If the side effects are too much for you, you should contact your doctor before deciding to discontinue the medication. Many depression pills can have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you stop them abruptly.

Will Depression Pills Interact with my Other Medications?

Depression pills can cause problems if you are taking certain other types of medications with them. Make sure that you give your your psychiatrist or doctor a complete list of any other medications that you are currently taking. Don’t forget to tell him about any herbal or vitamin supplements that you may be taking. Natural depression pills, like St. John’s Wort, can have serious interactions with antidepressants. Don’t assume that it’s safe just because it’s natural. You should also avoid consuming alcohol or